Honoring Baba Chokwe Lumumba

The Freedom Archives honors the life and work of Baba Chokwe Lumumba – a true revolutionary in both thought and practice. As a young man in Detroit, Michigan Chokwe committed his life to one of struggle and service for human rights and the liberation of African peoples throughout the world. He was a Vice-President of the Republic of New African and played a leadership role in the most significant political cases and movements over the last 40 years. He served on the legal teams of Assata Shakur, the Pontiac Brothers, Dr. Mutulu Shakur, Tupac Shakur, Geronimo Pratt, the Scott Sisters, and many other men and women who faced the challenges of a colonial legal system.

Baba Chokwe was keenly aware that if “there is no struggle, there is no progress.”

When Chokwe entered the movement as a lawyer he was committed to defining and building new ways of legal thought and action for New Afrikan Peoples. He was a co-founder of the New African Peoples organization and the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement. Chokwe was a leader in the movement for reparations for African People and fought tirelessly to expose the horrors of the FBI COINTELPRO program. In 2005 Chokwe co founded the Mississippi Disaster Relief Coalition, the post Katrina Tribunal and the “Right to Return” Movement in New Orleans. Chokwe Lumumba was a dedicated Pan Africanist – committed to the worldwide struggle against imperialism and colonialism. His willingness to sacrifice his life and his resources to the city of Jackson, Mississippi are clear indicators of that Baba Chokwe stood as a front line soldier in the Black Freedom Struggle.

The Freedom Archives thanks Chokwe Lumumba for his regular contributions to our work. Chokwe’s commitment to struggle for human rights and his “undying love” for African people are the best examples for our future generations. Ase’